Lebanon vs France
Side-by-side comparison of how these places approach childhood.
Lebanon
Lebanese children learn in three languages β Arabic, French, and English β from first grade.
The trilingual education system reflects Lebanon's position between Arab, French, and global cultures.
France
In France, school lunches are four-course meals with a cheese course, and children eat what's served.
French school canteens serve a starter, main course, cheese, and dessert. There are no vending machines, no packed lunches, and no substitutions β food education is part of the curriculum.
Lebanon
Lebanon's education system teaches in Arabic, French, or English depending on the school. Private schools educate 70% of children β one of the highest rates globally. The 2019 economic collapse and 2020 Beirut explosion devastated the education system.
France
Free, secular public education is a constitutional principle. Children enter Γ©cole maternelle at age 3 (compulsory since 2019). The curriculum is highly centralized and standardized nationally. Wednesday afternoons are traditionally free.
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